Why do we celeberate Constitution Day on Nov 26? Know Samvidhan Divas History, Significance & facts

Constitution Day, also known as 'Samvidhan Divas' or National Law Day, is observed annually in India on November 26. It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950.

The day seeks to emphasise the significance of constitutional values among Indian citizens and raise awareness about the importance of the Indian Constitution, including its chief architect, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared this day on October 11, 2015, during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Statue of Equality.

Later, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on November 19, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India (GoI) to observe November 26 every year as ‘Constitution Day’ to promote Constitutional values among Indian citizens and to mark the importance of its makers. 

Constitution Day: History

The Constitution of India in 1950 was meticulously drafted by the Constituent Assembly over the span of four years, from 1946 to 1950. On November 26, 1949, India's Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution. The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the establishment of Republic Day.

Constitution Day: Significance

Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, Dr BR Ambedkar played a crucial role in the framing of the Indian Constitution. To acknowledge the contribution of the framers of the Indian Constitution and to inculcate prominent constitutional values among the people, November 26 is celebrated as Constitution Day.

The Constitution of India holds the distinction of being the longest-written constitution among sovereign nations globally. Emphasising the significance of Constitutional Fundamental Duties, it guarantees justice, equality, and liberty to its citizens while promoting fraternity. By declaring India a socialist, secular, democratic republic, the Constitution establishes the core principles that govern the nation.

Indian Constitution: 5 Interesting Facts 

1. The Indian Constitution is completely hand-written and designed.
2. Pioneer of modern Indian Art Nand Lal Bose designed the borders of every page of the Constitution and adorned it with art pieces.
3. Prem Behari Narain Raizada, a master of calligraphic art, single-handedly wrote the Constitution.
4. The original manuscript of the Constitution was inscribed on parchment sheets measuring 16x22 inches, designed to endure for a thousand years. Remarkably, it weighed 3.75 kilograms.
5. The Indian Constitution’s name is borrowed from the US. Its positions and functions are borrowed from the British Constitution.